Promoting Independence for Socially Isolated Seniors

Abstract

The number of seniors aged 65 years and older is projected to grow ~150% over the next 40 years to 95 million and comprise nearly 25% of the U.S. population (National Science and Technology Council, 2019). Among the growing senior population, the desire to age-in-place has become more prominent and has gained visibility in healthcare policies and services. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aging-in-place is the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level (2009). Gerontechnologists suggest that smart technology is a viable tool for seniors who want to age-in-place, as it can give seniors more confidence in their ability to live alone and at a much lower cost than other alternatives. As society becomes ever more reliant on new technology however, the older population—less likely to know how to manage the technology themselves—is losing access to information and is being excluded from the design of technological advances. Employing human-centered design methods, including personas, storyboarding, rapid visual iteration, and prototyping, this research investigates how the design of a system of assistive interfaces can support independence and address the negative implications of natural aging for aging-in-place individuals experiencing mild cognitive decline and social isolation. It explores scenarios where familiar social engagement strategies (Atchley, 1989), such as prompting shared experiences and observing routine and abnormal behaviors, are integrated into the design of in-home assistive technology. Participatory user workshops will ensure diverse user needs are met and will closely assess and analyze human-interface interactions that facilitate individual well-being and improve user’s confidence level in using assistive devices. The objective is to develop a set of design strategies and guidelines for the development of reciprocal and conversation-based assistive technologies that empower the aging-in-place user.